Restoring Normal:Breast reconstruction surgery

helps women become whole again

Single-Site Surgery: Gallbladder removal with

virtually no visible scarring

Baby-Friendly: Encouraging the best

health outcomes for babies and mothers

Inspiring HealtHFALL 2013

Emergency Medical Technicians Marisa, Mike, and Wendy

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Let’s Go! 5-2-1-0This summer, Arlington Medical Center and White Medical Clinic began screening children as a part of Let’s Go! 5-2-1-0, a nationally recognized childhood obesity and healthy lifestyle program. The program is sponsored in part by Brookings Health System Foundation.

Providers at each of the clinics use the program tools to accurately diagnose overweight and obese conditions, assess and evaluate children’s lifestyle behaviors, and provide education and action plans for children and families to change lifestyles.

Let’s Go! helps kids and families eat healthy and be active. It’s designed to increase healthy eating and active living in children from birth to 18. The program centers on the common message of “5-2-1-0”:

To schedule your child’s free Let’s Go! 5-2-1-0 wellness screening, call White Medical Clinic at (605) 629-3333 or Arlington Medical Center at (605) 983-3283.

F i G h T the FluFlu season is around the corner again, and while it’s unpredictable, you can fight the flu simply by getting vaccinated.

Where can i geT a flu shoT? Several locations offer shots: doctor’s offices, pharmacies, and clinics including Arlington Medical Center and White Medical Clinic. Many places will advertise when they have flu shots available.

hoW effecTive is The flu shoT? Vaccine effectiveness varies from year to year. It depends on a person’s age and health and the match between the predicted top three viruses the vaccine is designed to protect against versus the viruses circulating within the community.

hoW long does a flu shoT proTecT? The CDC recommends people get a flu shot every season because the body’s immunity to influenza viruses declines over time.

if i geT The flu, is There TreaTmenT? Yes. Your primary care provider can prescribe antiviral drugs to make your illness milder and help you feel better faster.

or more servings of fruits and vegetables

hours or less recreational screen time

hour or more of physical activity

surgary drinks, more water & low fat milk

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This summer, Brookings healTh sysTem announced New Beginnings Birth Center completed Phase 1 of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) program that encourages and recognizes hospitals that promote and support breastfeeding.

Earning a Baby-Friendly accreditation signals a hospital has policies and practices in place which encourages breastfeeding and continually educates staff, physicians and the community regarding breastfeeding.

“Evidence-based research shows breastfed babies are less likely to suffer from serious illnesses, including asthma, eczema and respiratory and ear infections,” said Brookings Health System’s Chief of Medical Staff Dr. Richard Gudvangen, OBGYN at Avera

Baby-Friendly Hospital InitiativeNew Beginnings Birth Center at Brookings Health System is pursuing a Baby-Friendly accreditation to encourage breastfeeding and the best health outcomes for mothers and babies.

This fall Brookings Health System will open a new outreach specialty clinic, allowing visiting specialists to see patients right here in Brookings.

A New Outreach Specialty Clinic

Medical Group-Brookings. “Adults who were breastfed as babies are less likely to develop risk factors for heart disease such as obesity and high blood pressure. Mothers benefit from breastfeeding, too. Women who breastfeed have a lower risk of developing breast cancer, ovarian cancer and hip fractures later in life.”

Brookings Health System has begun the process for Phase 2, Development. No other non-Indian Health Services hospital in the state currently has reached the Baby-Friendly Development phase.

To learn more about the programs and services offered at New Beginnings Birth Center, visit www.brookingshealth.org/OB.

Service to the community is the key reason for establishing the outreach clinic.

“

”—Jason Merkley

Brookings healTh sysTem is remodeling space from the old nursing home, Brookview Manor, to create the clinic. The former activities and therapy area, beauty shop and employee locker space will be transformed into the new office.

“Service to the community is the key reason for establishing the outreach clinic,” said CEO Jason Merkley. “Our goal is to bring in physicians and surgeons who would not otherwise locate in Brookings. Hosting out-of-town specialists at the hospital provides access to needed services here at home rather than requiring patients to travel elsewhere for health care.”

Some specialists currently conduct regular outreach at the hospital’s emergency department. However, capacity to host them is limited. The new area will give specialists dedicated space with three exam rooms, a procedure room, office space and reception area.

Physicians who currently conduct outreach and will transition to the new clinic include:

• Dr. Kenneth Scott, Midwest Ear, Nose and Throat • Dr. Gregory DeSautel, The Dakota Clinic ENT & Sinus • Dr. Brian Brennan, Brennan Allergy Clinic • Dr. Richard Howard, Sioux Falls Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery • Dr. Timothy Metz, Anesthesiology Associates, Inc.

The new clinic will also allow Brookings Health System to actively recruit additional specialists.To learn more, visit www.brookingshealth.org.

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Virtually Scarless Surgery More than 1 million people in the U.S. have gallbladder surgery each year. Advancements in medicine have made it possible to remove a gallbladder through a tiny, one-inch incision in the belly button, the body’s natural scar. Now Brookings Health System’s surgical team offers virtually scarless, single-site gallbladder removal.

led By general surgeon Theresa oey, m.d., of the Avera Medical Group-Brookings, the team removes a gallbladder using Single-Site™ instruments on the da Vinci® system. The minimally invasive procedure is traditionally called a laparoscopic cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder).

The Food and Drug Administration cleared the specialized single-site instruments for use with the da Vinci system in December 2011. da Vinci robotic surgical system is widely used in complex minimally invasive surgery.

“Neither robotic surgery nor single-incision surgery is new, but combining the two to remove the gallbladder requires additional training and special equipment,” says Dr. Oey. “To be one of the first hospitals in the state to offer this technically advanced surgery demonstrates Brookings Health System’s leadership in providing patients with the most up-to-date minimally invasive surgical options.”

Dr. Oey is one of a small group of surgeons in the country who has received training to perform the surgery. “Single-site instruments used with the da Vinci platform are the next step in the evolution of surgical technologies,” said Operating Room and CSR Director Candace Johnson.

“We are truly excited to be a leader today in the surgical treatment of tomorrow.”

Most people who require gallbladder removal are candidates for the procedure. In addition to virtually scarless results, other potential benefits of single-site gallbladder surgery may include minimal pain, low blood loss, fast recovery, a short hospital stay and high patient satisfaction. The surgery can be performed in about one hour with a typical hospital stay of less than 24 hours.

During the procedure, the surgeon sits comfortably at a console, viewing a 3-D, high-definition image of the patient’s anatomy. The surgeon uses controls below the viewer to move the instrument arms and camera. In real-time, the system translates the surgeon’s hand, wrist and finger movements into more precise movements of the miniaturized instruments inside the patient.

Unlike traditional robotic surgeries requiring three to five small incisions, this new technology allows for a single incision in the belly button where instruments are placed and the diseased gallbladder is removed.

This March, Brookings Health System became the third health care provider in the state to actively offer advanced robotic surgical technology. The da Vinci surgical system provides additional clinical benefits and efficiency in the operating room, resulting in improved patient outcomes.

Interested in learning more about single-site da Vinci robotic assisted surgery? Visit www.brookingshealth.org/SingleSite or scan the QR code with your phone to watch an animation of the procedure.

Traditional Laparoscopic Surgery Incisions

da Vinci Single-Site Incision

“Single-site instruments used with the da Vinci platform are the next step in the evolution of surgical technologies.”

—Candace Johnson

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Typically women who have a mastectomy followed by breast reconstruction will be hospitalized one to two days, depending on whether one or both breasts were removed. For recovery, they typically will spend two weeks off work; usually after four weeks they may return to normal activities.

The next step, expansion, takes several months to complete. Dr. Howard performs the first in-office saline injection, but patients have the option to receive subsequent expansions by Dr. Oey right in Brookings. A patient will have eight to 12 expansion appointments, each which lasts about 15 minutes. Once the pockets are expanded to the correct size,

implants are inserted, typically as a same-day surgery procedure at Brookings Health System.

While a reconstructed breast will never be the same as the original, surgery can give a woman a relatively natural-looking breast and help restore a sense of normal.

Want to learn more about breast reconstruction? Visit www.brookingshealth.org/Reconstruction.

a female’s BreasTs are parT of her idenTiTy and what makes her feminine. For a woman who has had a mastectomy, breast reconstruction can improve her self-image, self-confidence and quality of life.

At Brookings Health System, breast reconstruction, performed by Plastic Surgeon Dr. Richard Howard of the Sioux Falls Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, will often happen immediately after mastectomy, performed by General Surgeon Dr. Theresa Oey of the Avera Medical Group-Brookings. The two surgeons work together and with other members of a patient’s care team to help determine which mastectomy and reconstructive procedures are right for her.

“Today we know that surgery is just part of the treatment plan for breast cancer. Chemotherapy and radiation also come into play,” said Dr. Howard. “We look at what type of tumor it is, its size, and its location. The general surgeon and plastic surgeon work together to perform the optimum mastectomy for the patient and to preserve as much original tissue as possible to get a better reconstructive outcome.”

To reconstruct the breast after mastectomy, a plastic surgeon often adds skin and tissue flaps from the patient’s own body to give a natural look and feel.

“The majority of women opt for reconstruction with implants which are created in a staged procedure,” said Dr. Howard. “There are two different operations. The first includes inserting an expander after mastectomy to make a pocket. The expander goes in empty and we start filling it with saline injections once a week or every other week. As it expands, it will form a pocket, much like the body expands with pregnancy. Once the pocket is expanded, we perform the second operation and take out the expander and put in a permanent implant.”

Breast reconstruction is now available at Brookings Health System for women who have lost a breast due to cancer or another condition, allowing them to recover and heal close to family and friends.

Helping Women Become

Whole Again

Dr. howard Dr. Oey

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Making a New House Feel Like homeResidents and staff officially moved into their new home, The Neighborhoods at Brookview, on June 4. Over the summer staff and residents have settled in their new home, embracing new amenities and keeping old traditions.

Town Center is the heart of social activity at The Neighborhoods. As the community’s Main Avenue, residents gather here to sit under the tree at the indoor park or purchase coffee or sundries at the Country Store and Coffee Shoppe. It also includes the chapel, library and salon.

The Maple Ridge Transitional Care Unit is dedicated to providing uninterrupted recuperation for those who no longer need the full resources of a hospital yet who still require medical attention while they rehabilitate. This household’s goal is to help people return home or to an appropriate community facility.

Ray LaRoche, resident and honorary campaign chair for the Foundation’s “Make this House a Home Campaign,” officially cut the ribbon to open the new facility on Friday, May 31.

Therapy is a key component of The Neighborhoods. The therapy center was developed for all aspects of daily life. In addition to exercise areas and equipment to help improve mobility and strength, it includes a full kitchen and bathroom to help people re-learn how to function in the home environment.

Just like Brookview Manor, The Neighborhoods at Brookview holds a wide range of activities for residents. Several activities are held in the community room, also referred to as the great room.

Want to learn more about The Neighborhoods at Brookview? Visit www.brookingshealth.org/Neighborhoods or call (605) 696-8700 or (866) 945-2146.

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Tough Enough to Wear Pinka Tough enough To Wear pink assistance program is available for uninsured and underinsured patients to help pay for breast biopsies, breast ultrasounds and lymphedema therapy services received from Brookings Health System. The program also applies to post-mastectomy products and services purchased at Brookings Health System/Avera Home Medical Equipment store. The store, on the corner of 22nd Ave and Yorkshire Dr., has a trained fitter on staff.

Through the sale of t-shirts from the Tough Enough to Wear Pink campaign, the Swiftel Center has raised over $30,000 to support cancer patients in the Brookings community. The Swiftel Center works with Brookings Health System Foundation to effectively disburse those funds. As a result, the assistance program was established and the Brookings Health System/Avera Home Medical Equipment store is now able to provide post-mastectomy products. Application forms for the assistance program are available at Brookings Health System Foundation or the Brookings Health System/Avera Home Medical Equipment store.

Renia Arneson, Garment Fitter

Aiming to Inspire Health Sporting Clays FundraiserOver $17,700 in Net Proceeds Raised, Funds Go to Brookings Health System Outreach Specialty Clinic

Over 100 hunting and firearm enthusiasts supported Brookings Health System Foundation August 15 at the fourth annual Aiming to Inspire Health sporting clays fundraiser. The event, presented by First Bank & Trust, was held at Medary Creek Hunt Club, rural Aurora, S.D.

“Based upon The iniTial Tally from sponsorships and shooting registrations, the event raised approximately $17,775 in net proceeds, all of which will go to help furnish and equip the new outreach specialty clinic at Brookings Health System’s hospital,” said Foundation Development Officer Barb Anderson.

The new clinic, scheduled for completion fall 2013, will have a separate entrance, three exam rooms, a procedure room and office space for the visiting doctors. The clinic will occupy remodeled space from the former nursing home, Brookview Manor.

Hunter Jensen of Brookings walked away with the top youth under 16 shooter award with a score of 23. Rod Brandenburger was the top adult shooter with a score of 42. Both received a $100 Scheels gift card. Second place in the adult category went to Rich Widman, shooting a score of 37. Helsper & Mahlke was the top team with a score of 128. Team members Reed Mahlke, Chad Bortnem, Dustin Kjelden and Robert Winter each received a $75 Scheels gift card.

Participants who hit a ghost clay during their round were entered into a drawing. As a result, Daryl Englund, Rick Holm and Carter Shoup each won hunting gear from Kjergaard Sports of Lake Benton, Minn. Allen Gordon won a pair of binoculars when his name was drawn from the 74 early bird deadline registrations.

The event also included free hunting dog demonstrations by dog breeder Rod Brandenburger. Topics covered obedience, bird/game pointing, tracking and retriever training.

“Our heartfelt thanks go out to all of our sponsors, volunteers and participants who helped make the event a success this year,” said Anderson.

In addition to First Bank & Trust, event sponsors include Avera Medical Group Brookings, Larson Manufacturing, Mansheim State Farm, Helsper & Mahlke, P.C., Clark Drew Construction, Falcon Plastics, Sodexo Food Services, Horty Elving Architects, Sanford Health Brookings Clinic, HyVee, Twin City Fan, Rude’s Home Furnishings, Loft on the Level, Cubby’s Sports Bar & Grill, Banner Associates, Clites Electric, Kerry’s Sprinklers, Omnicare, Eide Bailly, Pheasant Restaurant, The Exchange, Bankstar Financial, Outlaw Graphics, Back in Motion Chiropractic, Muth Electric, Heartland Vet Clinic, Kreiser’s Inc., Earthbend and Courtesy Plumbing.

The event was also supported by in kind contributions from Brookings Radio, Kjergaard Sports, Scheels Sioux Falls, Runnings, Dacotah Bank, Central Business, Minuteman Press, Swiftel Center, Walmart, Brookings Register and Town & Country Shopper.

Brookings Health System Foundation works to cultivate philanthropic gifts to support charity health care for those less fortunate; health and wellness education; facility, equipment, and technology upgrades; and other needs as they arise at Brookings Health System.

For more information about Brookings Health System Foundation or how you may contribute, please contact Foundation Officer Barb Anderson at (605) 696-8855 or foundation@brookingshealth.org.

Winners from the fourth annual Aiming to Inspiring Health Fundraiser include, from left to right, Rich Widman, Hunter Jensen, top youth, Daryl Englund, Carter Shoup and Rod Brandenburger, top adult.

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HEALTHINSPIRING Vascular Screening

Inspiring Health Vascular Screenings

Save LivesLast fall Lorraine Allstot of Brookings noticed she easily felt tired. She became winded climbing stairs or helping out other elderly individuals. Although she was working hard, she thought maybe her tiredness wasn’t just from work, but something inside her body.

“i read The ad in The paper for three vascular screening tests at Brookings Health System for $100,” said Lorraine. “It wasn’t covered by Medicare, but I thought I’d take $100 and get it done. It’s the best $100 I ever spent.”

Inspiring Health Vascular Screenings help detect blood vessel blockages or plaque buildup that puts a person at risk for vascular diseases such as stroke, or in Lorraine’s case, an abdominal aortic aneurysm, a condition in which the aorta wall balloons and may eventually rupture. Like many people, Lorraine didn’t know she had an aneurysm.

“My first husband died of an aneurysm at 52,” said Lorraine. “At first I was very disturbed finding out I had one, but living through a husband who had this, I knew I had to take care of it right away.

“I have a male friend who went to a different screening. He paid more and didn’t hear back from them for 21 days. Here I heard back in two days, and the gal who performed it sent the results right to my doctor.”

Lorraine’s physician referred her to a vascular surgeon. Soon her aneurysm was repaired and after her recovery, she was able to get back to her life.

“I may be 80, but I’m not ready to go,” said Lorraine. “I have a couple of women in their 90s who count on me and I need to be around to help them.”

Inspiring Health Vascular Screenings are held every Wednesday and Thursday morning at Brookings Health System’s hospital. To setup your appointment, please call (605) 696-8888.

300 Twenty-Second AvenueBrookings, SD 57006

This is arecyclable product.

Inspiring Health is published by Brookings Health System. This publication in no way seeks to serve as substitute for professional medical care. Consult your physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment or adopting any exercise program or dietary guidelines.